“God’s Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, 23 gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways. 24 And because we belong to Christ Jesus, we have killed our selfish feelings and desires.” Galatians 5:22-24 CEV
What does it mean to do good? Have you ever really thought about that? God’s Spirit makes us good and gives us the desire to do good.
Luke wrote in the books of Acts that Jesus went around doing good.
“God gave the Holy Spirit and power to Jesus from Nazareth. He was with Jesus, as he went around doing good and healing everyone who was under the power of the devil.” Acts 10:38 CEV
When He did good people were healed – physically, emotionally, and spiritually and they were freed from the power of the devil. Their lives were changed. He told sinners to go on their way and sin no more. People like Zacchaeus were changed from dishonest tax collectors to benevolent members of society. Prostitutes were changed from women of low reputation to women who served their communities with kindness. A salty, boisterous, braggadocious fisherman was changed to a powerful preacher of the good news of Jesus.
How? By the goodness of God.
“You surely don’t think much of God’s wonderful goodness or of his patience and willingness to put up with you. Don’t you know that the reason God is good to you is because he wants you to turn to him?…6 God will reward each of us for what we have done. 7 He will give eternal life to everyone who has patiently done what is good in the hope of receiving glory, honor, and life that lasts forever.” Romans 2:4,6&7 CEV
Doing good is life changing.
“The lifestyle of good people is like sunlight at dawn that keeps getting brighter until broad daylight.” Proverbs 4:18 CEV
“Whoever works to do good will find love and loyalty. It is a mistake to work at doing evil.” Proverbs 14:22 ERV
Christians, we who love God, should be a reflection of His character. God is good.
“ Don’t get tired of helping others. You will be rewarded when the time is right, if you don’t give up. 10 We should help people whenever we can, especially if they are followers of the Lord.” Galatians 6:9-10 CEV
“She must also be well-known for doing all sorts of good things, such as raising children, giving food to strangers, welcoming God’s people into her home, helping people in need, and always making herself useful.” I Timothy 5:10 CEV
Finally, I want you to see this prayer that the Apostle Paul prayed for the Christians that he was ministering to. It’s my prayer for all of us.
“ I pray that your love will keep on growing and you will fully know and understand 10 how to make the right choices. Then you will still be pure and innocent when Christ returns. And until that day, 11 Jesus Christ will keep you busy doing good deeds that bring glory and praise to God.” Philippians 1:9-11 CEV
Each of these verses is a seed of goodness that we can plant in our lives. Each seed will produce a harvest and will bring glory to God.
Time to plant some seeds! Don’t grow weary!